For setting the scene at your festivities, Canakis has a few suggestions.

“Keep it simple, fresh and light,” she says. “Folks have, more likely than not, overindulged, and as we welcome in the New Year, most folks will graze, so offer light-in-calorie options. Create a beverage station in one area and other mini food stations throughout your social space to keep folks moving and interested.”

As an appetizer, Canakis offers a roasted red pepper dip. She notes that it can be enjoyed hot, cold or at room temperature.

“Pass on the cheese ball, or keep the cheese ball, but add this healthier, oh-so-simple, savory variation. Did you know that you can save fat and calories by substituting soft cheese for hard cheese? Adding non-fat Greek yogurt to dips is also a secret of mine,” Canakis explains of this recipe. “I trimmed fat and calories by substituting a soft cheese (feta/chèvre) for the hard cheese (cheddar). A single ounce of feta has 74 calories and 6 grams of fat versus 1 ounce of cheddar which has 113 calories and 9 grams of fat.”

This roasted red pepper dip can be made the night before your party, and it isn’t limited to just becoming a dip. Canakis adds that it can be used as a spread in a sandwich wrap or on top or roasted chicken, too.

The dip recipe yields one pound or 8 to 12 servings.

“It’s easy to prepare and appeals to a variety of palates,” she says. “You don’t need to be vegetarian to enjoy it, and it’s a healthy alternative to a hard cheese plate.”